What are The Ways to Remove Facial Moles?

Facial moles are a nuisance to many, and can sometimes cause anxiety. Given their prominent location, many would like to remove them and dispose of them, whether for cosmetic reasons or for diagnostic biopsies. Perhaps you have wondered about ways to remove facial moles, here are the details.

Reasons for removing facial moles

The truth is that removing facial moles is not always necessary. Mostly, moles are benign and do not require medical intervention.

So, when does a mole need to be removed?

There are certain cases that require medical intervention to remove facial moles, and sometimes take a biopsy from them for examination: (1)

Cosmetic reasons:

If you are dissatisfied with its shape, location or size, and want to get rid of it.

Medical reasons:

If your doctor is concerned about its shape or appearance, or if there are signs that it may turn into a malignant tumor, such as:

• Asymmetric shape.
• Irregular borders.
• Roughness
• Discoloration, or change in size or shape over time.

Methods for removing facial moles

There is more than one method for removing facial moles; each has its advantages and uses. It is important to consult a dermatologist to determine the most appropriate method for your condition: (2) (3)

1.  Mole excision:

• Conditions: It is used for all types of moles, and it is the traditional method.
• Procedure: The doctor applies a local anesthetic to the location of the mole, uses a scalpel or surgical knife to separate the mole from the skin, then removes it from its roots, and finally sutures the area with small stitches.
• Pros: This method usually leaves a very small, unnoticeable scar, depending on the skill of the surgeon.

2.  Scraping:

• Conditions: It is used for moles that protrude from the surface of the skin.
• Procedure: After administration of local anesthesia, the doctor uses a small blade to scrape the mole, and then achieve hemostasis using heat or ointments, without the need for stitches or leaving a scar.
• Pros: It does not remove the entire mole.

3.  Laser removal:

• Conditions: Used for small or flat moles.
• Procedure: Laser beams are directed to destroy the mole.
• Pros: It is not possible to take a biopsy from the suspicious mole for analysis, and there is a greater chance that the mole will return again compared to other surgical methods.

4.  Cryotherapy:

• Conditions: It is used for flat moles on the skin.
• Procedure: Very cold nitrogen liquid is applied to the mole, to freeze it and destroy it, turning it into a pimple / bubble that gradually diminish over time.
• Pros: It may leave a scar in its place, or the skin color may change, and investigations cannot be performed on it either.

What does the scar look like after removing facial moles?

The shape of the scar depends on the size and location of the mole itself, and on the removal method used by the dermatologist. It is normal to find the scar thick, prominent, red, and a little rough in the first days, but as the weeks and months pass, it gradually diminishes, then becomes smoother and less prominent within about a year. (4)

There are two main things in determining the shape and appearance of the scar after removing facial moles:

1.Doctor skill

The skill and experience of the doctor play a major role in reducing the size and appearance of the scar after removing moles. Therefore, it is important that you choose a certified and experienced dermatologist to perform this procedure.